The Historic Trial of the Pyx Coins

Today, The Royal Mint continues to combine centuries-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. It is renowned for its commitment to excellence, producing coins of exceptional quality and design.

The British Royal Mint, with its origins dating back over a thousand years, holds a significant place in the annals of coinage. It ranks as the United Kingdom’s oldest continually operating company and one of the oldest mints in the world.

Its establishment can be traced to the reign of Alfred the Great in the late 9th century when a mint was set up in London. By the mid-13th century a clear organisational framework existed for the monarch’s mint in London consisting of a hierarchy of officers. From at least the 1270s there was also a known location within the Tower of London and the organisation became increasingly well established and formalised. The Royal Mint has played a crucial role in producing coins for the realm and maintaining the integrity of the currency. Over the centuries, it expanded and moved to various locations, including Tower Hill, and the current state-of-the-art facility in South Wales.

Throughout its history, The Royal Mint has had to innovate to maintain relevance. In the 17th century, the introduction of the screw press at the Mint revolutionized coin production, enabling greater consistency of production. Later, steam-powered machinery and advancements in metallurgy further enhanced efficiency and quality. The Royal Mint has also been responsible for establishing and refining coin standards. The coinage reforms introduced in 1816 effectively established the modern gold standard, and ensured that gold coins contained a specified amount of gold. In 1971, the Mint played a vital role in decimalisation  of the British currency, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s monetary system.

In addition to producing circulating coins, The Royal Mint has a long tradition of crafting commemorative and ceremonial coins. These special issues celebrate important events, anniversaries, and national achievements. Notable examples include the commemorative coins for the Olympics, royal weddings, and historical milestones.

Today, The Royal Mint continues to combine centuries-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. It is renowned for its commitment to excellence, producing coins of exceptional quality and design. With its rich heritage, The Royal Mint remains a symbol of British numismatic expertise and the legacy of a minting institution that has shaped the nation’s currency for centuries.